Siemens 2013 Annual Report Download - page 68

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What’s being done to enhance
the quality of life in Vienna?
Ask the Viennese and you’ll hear lots of
praise for their city’s transportation system.
The Freimüller-Köhlers take the metro,
trams and buses as often as possible, even
though they have driver’s licenses and
own several cars. “Public transportation in
Vienna is fast, convenient, comfortable
and cheap,” says Carlotta, a university stu-
dent. “I only take the car when I have to.”
Her mother, Julia, who works at the univer-
sity, needs the car for her commute but
leaves it at home when running errands.
“I love the flair of Vienna’s markets and the
variety they offer,” she says. “The bus and
tram get me there a lot faster than my car.
And it’s also cheaper since I don’t have to
pay for parking.” Georg Freimüller also pre-
fers to use his annual transport pass when
commuting to his office or the courthouse
or when running errands. “The city has
done a lot for public transportation,” he
says. “In recent years, the network has
become denser, and the buses, metro and
trams run more often.” And as the statistics
show, ridership is up: thanks to Vienna’s
master transit plan, the use of public trans-
portation within the city limits rose to a
worldwide record of 39% in 2012, up from
34% in 2001. Nevertheless, Vienna’s motor-
ists are not at a disadvantage compared to
their counterparts in other big cities. While
Vienna makes it easy to travel by bicycle,
Making infrastructures more intelligent
Enhancing quality of life